Sonora, State in northern Mexico
Sonora is a state in northwestern Mexico, stretching from the Gulf of California to the Sierra Madre Occidental range. The landscape shifts from desert flats and grasslands to mountains and a long coastline dotted with beaches and fishing towns.
Spanish colonists opened copper, gold, and silver mines in the 1530s, drawing settlers and reshaping the region over centuries. The area became a Mexican state in 1830, following shifts in colonial boundaries and independence from Spain.
Markets and town squares reflect traditions from Mayo, Yaqui, and Seri communities, where visitors notice local crafts, music, and foods tied to these living cultures. Festivals throughout the year bring out dances and rituals that communities still practice in public, open to travelers curious about the region's roots.
Highways and rail links connect the region to Arizona and New Mexico, making cross-border travel straightforward for those arriving by road. Summer temperatures climb high across the interior, while coastal areas stay cooler thanks to ocean breezes.
The Sonoran Desert shelters plants found nowhere else on Earth, including several cactus species with unusual shapes and sizes. The Gulf coast draws marine life and seabirds that travelers can watch while walking beaches or taking boat trips along the shore.
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